How Many Jobs Are Available in Computer Software Prepackaged Software?

Computer software and information technology as a whole are very big and lucrative industries, especially in the United States.

With a wholesale computer and packaged software market size of $360,6 billion, the US tech market is the largest in the world. In fact, the US accounts for a third of the $5 trillion global information technology.

Additionally, $1.9 trillion of U.S. value-added GDP comes from the software industry and the country is home to 557,000 computer software and IT companies.

8 of the 10 largest software companies in the world by market cap are located in the US. These include enormous names like Apple, Microsoft, Google, Oracle, and Adobe.

Seeing as the US is so rich in software and IT it should be effortless to land a job in the industry, right?

To answer this question, we found out exactly how many jobs are available in computer software prepackaged software and in which jobs you could start a successful career.

What is prepackaged software?

You may have heard about software before, which is the instructions and programs that a computer uses to function. Prepackaged software is this software in a ready-to-use or plug-and-play form.

It can be applications or scripts that are pre-built, preloaded, and ready to buy off the shelf. In some cases, the software can be loaded and built according to a client's needs and requests.

It's a very convenient option because consumers that are clueless when it comes to IT can simply buy and insert the programs and the installation process will start automatically.

Which jobs are available in computer software prepackaged software?

Do you have a knack for technology and a passion for IT? If you do, the computer software prepackaged software industry is for you!

But what are the job opportunities and career paths that you can consider? The truth is, there are countless options, from software developers to computer system architects!

With the help of the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we compiled the following list of the best-paying jobs in software prepackaged software:

1. Software developer; $120,730 per year

Software developers create applications and programs for computers and networks. These apps and programs are what make doing tasks on a device possible.

As a software developer, you will be responsible for finding a gap in the application market that needs filling and designing an app that would meet the needs of users.

To create software, you will be required to develop models and create procedures. You'll also need to analyze the risks that are involved and find ways to deal with or minimize these risks.

To become a software developer, you need a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology. In some cases, you would need to obtain a master's degree.

You also need some experience in the field, which you can gain by completing internships. Additionally, staying up to date with new trends and tools in the programming market is very important.

Currently, there is a great need for these professionals, as there are more than 1.4 million software developers working in the US. By 2031, there will be 26% more, with a total of 1,769,500 employees.

Software developers earn a median annual wage of $120,730.

2. Programmer; $93,000 per year

Computer programmers are professionals that write and test codes and scripts. The codes and scripts are behind the normal functioning of software and applications.

As a programmer, you will be taking the software that software developers made and turning it into instructions for a computer or other device. You will also need to conduct tests and maintenance on new software to ensure that it is running smoothly.

To become a computer programmer, you need a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology. You also need a thorough understanding of computer language and programs like C++ and Java.

The number of programmers working in the US stood at 174,400 in 2021. Unfortunately, this job is facing a decline in the future, with 10% (or 17,800) fewer jobs in 2031.

Computer programmers earn a median annual wage of $93,000.

3. Application developer; $99,840 per year

Application developers are software developers that specialize in mobile and computer applications. These applications are developed according to the needs of users and they aim to make life easier, like mobile banking apps.

As an application developer, you will be developing apps by listening to the needs of customers and implementing designs that meet them. You will also be required to evaluate the performance of new and existing apps.

To become an application developer, you need a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology. You also need to know how to work with programs like Java and Oracle.

The job outlook for this career is positive, with a projected growth of 21% from 2018 to 2028. Thus, there will be even more workers in this field than the current estimate of 9,132.

Application developers earn an average annual salary of $99,840 per year.

4. Programmer analyst; $71,563 per year

Programmer analysts have the same tasks as programmers, but they work directly with companies and customers. They meet with their clients to find out what their needs are and what type of programs they need to develop for them.

As a programmer analyst, you will be developing systems and troubleshooting programs that are faulty. You'll also be required to create documents for the programs and apps that you develop.

To become a programmer analyst, you need a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology. You will also need proven work experience in software and application development and knowledge of HTML, SSQS, and SQL Server.

The job outlook is positive, with a growth of 9% expected from 2018 to 2028. Currently, there are 254,431 programmer analysts working in the US and 248,781 openings in this career.

Programmer analysts earn an average annual salary of $71,563 per year.

5. Software engineer; $100,260 per year

Software engineers are professionals that handle many tasks related to computer science and programs. They have a thorough understanding and vast knowledge of information technology.

As a software engineer, you will be drafting, developing, and building several types of software programs. You will also be required to oversee the process of documentation being drafted and the overall running of network control systems.

Some employers may also need you to develop computer or mobile games and maintain the programs to ensure that they function properly.

To become a software engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or information technology. You may also need a minimum of 5 years working experience in a related field.

There is a growth of 21% expected from 2018 to 2028. This is great for a career path that already has 325,319 employees and 339,938 openings.

Software engineers earn an average annual salary of $100,260.

6. Web developer; $77,030 per year

Web developers are the professionals behind the design, creation, and maintenance of websites. They develop these sites according to the owner's needs and requirements.

As a web developer, you will be meeting with clients to turn their needs and ideas into a properly functioning website. You will be required to use programming languages like HTML and XML to write the code.

To become a web developer, you need a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology but a high school diploma may be sufficient to get started.

You also need to be able to keep up with trends and constantly developing programs. Prior work experience would always be a bonus but most employers would be happy to hire you if you can prove that you have the necessary skills. You can do this by building your own portfolio.

In 2021, there were 95,300 web developers working in the US. By 2031, this number will be 124,100, having grown by 30% over the decade.

Web developers earn a median annual wage of $77,030.

7. Hardware engineer; $128,170 per year

Hardware engineers are professionals that design and build hardware for computers. Hardware typically includes components like central processing units and circuit boards.

As a hardware engineer, you will be developing new pieces of computer hardware and testing them afterward. If you foresee any problems with the new components, it will be your responsibility to find ways to modify the design and eliminate these problems.

To become a hardware engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or information technology. For positions in larger firms, you may need a master's degree in a related field.

There is a projected growth of 5% expected for this job from 2021 to 2031. This will lead to 3,700 new openings over the decade.

Computer hardware engineers earn a median annual wage of $128,170.

8. Database administrator; $96,710 per year

Database administrators are behind the systems and programs that are used to store data. These databases are used to secure financial information and other records.

As a database administrator, you will be responsible for designing and building databases. These databases need to be safe and secure and able to back up data to prevent any loss.

To become a database administrator, you need a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology. Some employers may require you to have a master's degree in a related field. You also need a thorough understanding of database and programming languages, like SQL.

Back in 2021, there were 91,800 database administrators employed in the US. By 2031, the job will see a growth of 8%, with 99,200 employees in the field.

Database administrators earn a median annual wage of $96,710.

9. Computer network architect; $120,520 per year

Computer network architects are the professionals behind data communication networks. These networks include Intranets, local area networks (LANs), and wide area networks (WANs).

As a computer network architect, you will be responsible for designing and building networks. To do this, you need to create plans and research new technologies. Additionally, you will also be required to maintain the networks and troubleshoot any issues.

To become a computer network architect, you need a bachelor's degree in a related field. Some employers look for employees that hold a master's degree. In addition to the educational requirements, you also need at least 5 years working experience in the field.

This job is facing a growth of 4% from 2021 to 2031. Over the decade, the number of jobs will increase from 174,800 to 182,300, which is a total of 7,500 openings!

Computer network architects earn a median annual wage of $120,520.

10. Software engineering manager; $140,929 per year

Software engineering managers are the professionals that oversee the engineering team in the development process. They ensure that the process of developing new software runs smoothly.

As a software engineering manager, you will need to communicate with all the departments that are a part of the development process. You will oversee the planning and execution of creating new software.

To become a software engineering manager, you need a bachelor's degree in computer engineering and experience in the field. Plus, a background in project management is crucial.

This job is facing a growth of 21% from 2018 to 2028. The current market has a lot of room for new workers, with 262,296 openings available.

Software engineering managers earn an average annual salary of $140,929.

11. Cloud engineer; $126,786 per year

Cloud engineers are experts in information technology and computer science. They operate infrastructure and transfer procedures or functions to a platform based in a cloud.

As a cloud engineer, you will consult with programmers and project managers to design and develop cloud computing solutions. These solutions will be based on the needs and requirements of the specific organizations that you are creating them for.

To become a cloud engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology and a minimum of 3 years of working experience in the field. Experience and knowledge of CI/CD systems and SysOps are very important.

Computer and IT jobs are facing growth of 15% from 2021 to 2031. This will result in over 682,800 new job openings across all occupations, including cloud engineering.

Cloud engineers earn an annual average salary of $126,786.

12. Systems architect; $83,727 per year

Systems architects create digital products and services that serve a specific purpose. These products and services meet the needs of clients by answering particular functions.

As a systems architect, you will be meeting with clients and examining behaviors with the help of user experience specialists. Based on your findings, you will work with a team to determine which technology can be used to fulfill their needs and requirements.

To become a systems architect, you need a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology and working experience in the field. You can start in an entry-level position and work your way up or gain experience with internships.

There will be a 5% growth for this job from 2018 to 2028. Currently, the number of openings in the US stands at 143,974.

Computer systems architects earn an annual average salary of $83,727 per year.

How many jobs are available in computer software prepackaged software?

According to the BLS, there were 1,425,900 software developers employed in the US in 2021.

This number is set to grow by 26% from 2021 to 2031, bringing us 370,600 new jobs over the decade. Thus, by 2031, there will be 1,796,500 software developers employed in the US.

An additional 162,900 openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers will become available each year from 2021 to 2031. This can be due to circumstances like workers retiring from the field or changing their career paths.

This estimate is only for the software development industry, but it's safe to say that the future seems bright for all jobs in the rest of the computer software prepackaged software industry.

Conclusion

Now that you know how many jobs are available in computer science and the information technology industry, you can start planning your future!

It's clear that the minimum requirement for most of the best-paying jobs in software prepackaged software is a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology.

So, if you work towards one of these degrees and gain some experience in the field, you could be looking at a six-figure salary!